Open AccessSynthesis of sheet‐like nanoscaled ZnO and Ag/ZnO composite nanocrystals and their electrocatalytic properties
Author(s) -
Pan Lu,
Xu Bo,
Tang Jing,
Wang Fengwu
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
micro and nano letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.25
H-Index - 31
ISSN - 1750-0443
DOI - 10.1049/mnl.2012.0904
Subject(s) - thermogravimetric analysis , materials science , calcination , cyclic voltammetry , chemical engineering , composite number , scanning electron microscope , catalysis , transmission electron microscopy , glassy carbon , nanocrystal , electrochemistry , nuclear chemistry , electrode , composite material , nanotechnology , chemistry , organic chemistry , engineering
Sheet‐like ZnO Ag/ZnO composites were synthesised by calcination of each precursor prepared via a hydrothermal treatment. The samples were characterised by thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal gravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy technologies. The results showed that ZnO and Ag/ZnO composite nanosheets were composed of nanoparticles. The electrocatalytic performances of the samples modified on a glassy carbon electrode for p ‐nitrophenol, K 2 CrO 4 and H 2 O 2 reduction in a basic solution, respectively, were investigated using a cyclic voltammetry method. The results revealed that ZnO and Ag/ZnO composites with Ag content from 1 to 5% all exhibited an enhanced catalytic activity by comparing with a bare glassy carbon electrode. Among the samples, Ag/ZnO composite with 4% Ag displayed the highest catalytic activity for p ‐nitrophenol, and H 2 O 2 , but the one with 3% Ag content showed the highest catalytic activity for K 2 CrO 4 reduction.